Baltimore-Born Billionaire Makes Big Donation to Lincoln Memorial

Carlyle Group founder David Rubenstein’s reputation as a philanthropist is well-known. Many of his gifts show his patriotic side, funding the National Archives and the panda program at the National Zoo. With his latest gift, the Baltimore native is adding presidential proportions.

Rubenstein appeared at a ceremony on the National Mall to announce an $18.5 million gift that will help bring the Lincoln Memorial up to date. The project will include a restoration of the Memorial, as well as the addition of a new space below the exhibit for exhibits and education.

“These improvements will hopefully enable more people to better understand and appreciate Abraham Lincoln’s remarkable leadership during one of the most trying periods in American history,” David Rubenstein said.

The financier has also donated to the restoration of DC’s Washington Monument, and bought an original copy of the Magna Carta that now sits in the Archives.

Rubenstein gives a lot to DC, but his hometown informs his mission to give back to America. In a 2014 talk, the City College said growing up in a modest Baltimore home with parents who didn’t finish high school helped him because “when you realize you have to do something on your own, you work harder,” he said.